One of the most common questions I’m asked as a photographer is: What should I wear to my photo session? In the spirit of making things easier for my clients, here are some things to think about ahead of time so you get the perfect look for your photoshoot. Whether you’re preparing for a senior portrait session, an engagement session or a family photo session, here are some photo session wardrobe tips to make sure you look great!

Consider the purpose of the Photo Session

The outfits you pick out are going to depend largely on what kind of photoshoot you want. If you’re looking for a holiday look for your Christmas cards, you might wear red and green. On the other hand, if you’re looking for an updated head shot for your portfolio, you want something more professional. Make sure your clothes fit the occasion!

Wardrobe Tips: Dress for the Season

You want to be comfortable during your session; after all, it’s hard to get natural smiles when you’re wearing clothing that’s too tight or that you have to keep adjusting. But you also want to take the weather into account: you don’t want to be too hot or cold either. Dress for the season, with warm clothes during the winter and light clothes in the summer. Layering is a way to be comfortable and stylish. It’s also a wonderful way to layer on colors and prints, adding a plaid shirt over a solid tee or a solid jacket over a printed dress. Especially in family photos, a nice blend of patterns and solids that are unified by color is best.

Keep Your Photo Outfits Timeless

You might be at the top of the fashion game right now, but even the trendiest clothing will be out of date years from now when you’re looking back on those photos. Try for a look that won’t go out of fashion: keep patterns simple and pair with solid colors. Obviously, you still want to look sharp, and you should, but you should do that by keeping your clothes unwrinkled and well-fitted, not by wearing the latest trends. The same is true of clothing with brand names: you don’t want to look like a walking ad!

Accessorize Well

Nine times out of ten, unless we’re trying to capture a sporty/adventurous look, you’re not going to want to wear tennis shoes to a photo shoot. Pick out something that looks good on you but doesn’t look too casual. I’d suggest doing the same with makeup: keep it natural and stay away from glitter, but don’t forget to look your best at the same time. The best ideas for natural family portraits is to dress the way you would dress for a family gathering: nothing too formal, but stylishly casual.

Now that you have a few wardrobe tips for timeless outfits, you’re ready for a great photo session. I look forward to seeing you there!

When Alberto asked me to do his family pictures, I was absolutely honored. He has been one of my associate photographers for 5 years, and I consider him to be a good friend as well, so that trust meant the world to me.

Alberto and Jonna have the most amazing relationship. Their connection and love has always been something that I admire about the two of them, especially because through it all, they have never stopped being each other’s best friends. They are so easy to photograph together, because they’re so real.

Their little boy, Maxwell, is 6 years old and already has big dreams. It’s something else to hear him tell stories about all of his little-boy adventures, from the start of school to the start of karate and everything in between. He has the biggest heart and most amazing personality, and watching him interact with his parents is a thing of beauty.

I loved Maxwell’s smile—especially the way that it would come out in full force when he was with his parents. They were totally up for some fun shots with their little boy, making silly poses or lying in the autumn leaves or letting him climb on them.

And the pictures of Maxwell himself are amazing as well. I especially loved the one of Maxwell with his umbrella, because of the way it pops against the fall background—though the image of Maxwell lying back in the leaves with his hands behind his head perfectly captures his personality. He’s a dreamer, and he knows how to seize the moment.

Alberto & Jonna, thank you for trusting me to take your family pictures for you. That trust means a lot to me, and I hope that you will treasure the images we captured together. Here’s a sneak peek from the family portraits!

It’s senior session season again. Every year, I’m excited to see the new crop of young people getting ready to enter adulthood, and every year, I’m impressed with the kids I get to meet. This time around, I met up with Joe for a senior session at a nearby hidden location in Chippewa Falls. I loved getting to know this young man and celebrating this exciting time in his life with him.

Joey is an active senior at Cadott High School. He’s into football and basketball, so I made sure to get pictures of him wearing his jerseys to show off his love of the game. He put on his game face (and game paint) for some epic shots—looking like he was ready to take on a championship game. When taking pictures with high school seniors, I love taking the opportunity to capture their interests and passions.

Creative – Different – Unique – FUN – Bad Ass

“They are willing to go beyond the norm and take some amazing, unique and fun pictures. They are very creative and respectful of what the bride and groom want and they are very passionate and talented!!!”

Andrew Samplawski, owner and lead photographer of Andrew Samplawski Photography has been a professional photographer for the last 5 years, creating the style and essence of wedding photography in the Eau Claire and surround areas.

Whether your family is finally together for a special occasion, your kids are going off to college or they are just entering preschool, Andrew Samplawski Photography offers family photography. Eau Claire Family photography studio, Andrew Samplawski Photography, guarantees to provide a beautiful, timeless family portrait that you will be proud to have in your home.

Learn More

Stanton Family Portraits

Do you consider your family and friends important and want to make sure you capture memories of you and them together in Stanton, WI? Keeping those family memories around is so important that many people choose to do a yearly photo shoot. At Samplawski Photography, we’re prepared to do everything we can to show the respect your family memories deserve.

Preparing for Family Pictures in Stanton

Yes, I know. Between ensuring their clothes remain clean and pressed and getting everyone ready, you can feel quite overwhelmed. I realize that sounds like a very daunting task. If those family members are children, then it can be nearly impossible! You will be rewarded with beautiful photographs.

Avoid Stress Try not to stress out. Remember that it is not up to you to pose everyone for the pictures. Instead, grab a delicious, refreshing cocktail to help you relax and better enjoy the photo session. What’s so important about it? Your stress and upset will show up in your photos every time. Not “most of the time”, but every single time. It doesn’t matter how perfect everything is, your photos will be disappointing if everyone doesn’t seem happy. Do what you need to relax. Grab a cocktail, have a cigarette, whatever works for you.

Coordinate Your Colors This does not mean that every outfit has to match. You can use colors that compliment one another. You just want complimentary colors to be a part of the shoot. A good example is contrasting stripes and solids. Too many striped outfits can be off-putting. Contrast the stripes and the solids, and your picture will look much better. Coordinating your colors will really go a long way towards taking fantastic family photos.

3. Prepare a list of different combinations of positions. This is particularly helpful if your family is especially large. You need to find combos that everyone can show up in together and then some with a couple of people or one at a time.

Stanton Family Photos

Picking out your photographer isn’t that hard. The key is to make sure you consider a couple of factors to work with the best in Stanton. The first factor is whether or not you like their work. Photographers you’re not really happy with when you look at the results means you need to move on a little. Second of all, be sure that the photographer is somebody who really makes you feel completely comfortable while they are behind their camera, and who has the ability to be assertive when needed to deal with your family (especially if you have a large one) in a polite way. The last thing you want is to have a photographer who is frustrated and yelling at members of your family right before your Stanton reunion picnic.

Creative – Different – Unique – FUN – Bad Ass

“They are willing to go beyond the norm and take some amazing, unique and fun pictures. They are very creative and respectful of what the bride and groom want and they are very passionate and talented!!!”

Andrew Samplawski, owner and lead photographer of Andrew Samplawski Photography has been a professional photographer for the last 5 years, creating the style and essence of wedding photography in the Eau Claire and surround areas.

Whether your family is finally together for a special occasion, your kids are going off to college or they are just entering preschool, Andrew Samplawski Photography offers family photography. Eau Claire Family photography studio, Andrew Samplawski Photography, guarantees to provide a beautiful, timeless family portrait that you will be proud to have in your home.

Learn More

Tainter Family Portraits

When it comes to family, there are few things that are more important that capturing the memories created by your family. Photographs help memorialize certain events witnessed by your friends, family members, and loved ones. These photos can be referred to for years to come. If you have family then you know that they make your life easier to live and when you get family portraits in Tainter done you’ll be able to get awesome photos taken. We here at Samplawski Photography truly understand how much your family means to you, and our mission is to provide you with great family pictures every year.

Preparing for Family Pictures in Tainter

Preparing for a family photo session sounds daunting, especially if there are young children involved. Between ensuring their clothes remain clean and pressed and getting everyone ready, you can feel quite overwhelmed. I realize that sounds like a very daunting task. Continue reading to find out the best tips to remain calm and enjoy your photo session. Don’t worry, though! We’ve been doing this for a while, and we have some advice.

1. Try not to stress out. It seems easy and usually is. Some people never manage to do it at all. Why is that? When people get stressed, they tend to look bad in photos. Nobody is ever perfect when it comes to doing anything like getting pictures taken, but you at least want people to not be irritated or sad. Do what you need to relax. Grab a cocktail, have a cigarette, whatever works for you.

2. This does not mean that every outfit has to match. Disclaimer: that doesn’t mean your outfits all have to match. You just want complimentary colors to be a part of the shoot. This coordination helps your photos look streamlined and beautiful. In fact, the pictures will look better than if you did wear matching outfits!

3. Create a list of shots to take that all have differing combos. This is particularly helpful if your family is especially large. Having multiple positions figured out before hand helps ensure things run smoothly. That way, you don’t have to figure out where and how everyone should stand in between each shot.

Tainter Family Photos

At the end of the day, choosing the right photographer is a fairly straightforward process. There are really only two major factors when you make a choice on family picture photographers, whether you’re in the Tainter area or elsewhere. First, make sure that you view their portfolio and like their work. If you select a photographer whose photos you really aren’t crazy about, you should move on and look for someone whose style is one that you really love for your own family portraits. Second of all, be sure that the photographer is somebody who really makes you feel completely comfortable while they are behind their camera, and who has the ability to be assertive when needed to deal with your family (especially if you have a large one) in a polite way. The last thing you want is to have a photographer who is frustrated and yelling at members of your family right before your Tainter reunion picnic.

Creative – Different – Unique – FUN – Bad Ass

“They are willing to go beyond the norm and take some amazing, unique and fun pictures. They are very creative and respectful of what the bride and groom want and they are very passionate and talented!!!”

Andrew Samplawski, owner and lead photographer of Andrew Samplawski Photography has been a professional photographer for the last 5 years, creating the style and essence of wedding photography in the Eau Claire and surround areas.

Whether your family is finally together for a special occasion, your kids are going off to college or they are just entering preschool, Andrew Samplawski Photography offers family photography. Eau Claire Family photography studio, Andrew Samplawski Photography, guarantees to provide a beautiful, timeless family portrait that you will be proud to have in your home.

Learn More

Tiffany Family Portraits

When it comes to family, there are few things that are more important that capturing the memories created by your family. Photographs help memorialize certain events witnessed by your friends, family members, and loved ones. These photos can be referred to for years to come. Keeping those family memories around is so important that many people choose to do a yearly photo shoot. Samplawski Photography understands the value of a family and works to create lasting photographs that showcase the uniqueness of your family. Continue reading to learn how to choose clothing, colors and more for your photo session.

Preparing for Family Pictures in Tiffany

Yes, I know. It’s actually fairly easy to do if you just have a few tips in mind. It may seem difficult, but you can do it! If those family members are children, then it can be nearly impossible! You will be rewarded with beautiful photographs.

1. Try not to stress out. Remember that it is not up to you to pose everyone for the pictures. Some people never manage to do it at all. What’s so important about it? If you are all stressed out, 100% of the time it will show in your photographs. Although you can pose everyone perfectly, you can make everyone miserable. You do not want this during family photos!

Coordinate Your Colors Do your best to color coordinate. Now, keep in mind that color coordination doesn’t mean matching outfits. You can do that if you want, but it’s not remotely necessary. For example, if one person wants to wear stripes, have the person standing next to them wear a solid color. If one individual is wearing solid colors, the other can wear stripes. Coordinating your colors will really go a long way towards taking fantastic family photos.

3. Prepare a list of different combinations of positions. A shot list is very important if you are having a large group of people photographed together. You need to find combos that everyone can show up in together and then some with a couple of people or one at a time.

Tiffany Family Photos

Picking out your photographer isn’t that hard. There are really only two major factors when you make a choice on family picture photographers, whether you’re in the Tiffany area or elsewhere. The first factor is whether or not you like their work. If you select a photographer whose photos you really aren’t crazy about, you should move on and look for someone whose style is one that you really love for your own family portraits. The second factor is to make sure you feel comfortable with them. This means that you feel safe, and you feel as though they can do the job well. The last thing you want is a photographer who is frustrated and yelling at your family. If you follow the tips listed above, you can rest assured that you will find a family photographer that will create photographic memories that will last a lifetime.

Creative – Different – Unique – FUN – Bad Ass

“They are willing to go beyond the norm and take some amazing, unique and fun pictures. They are very creative and respectful of what the bride and groom want and they are very passionate and talented!!!”

Andrew Samplawski, owner and lead photographer of Andrew Samplawski Photography has been a professional photographer for the last 5 years, creating the style and essence of wedding photography in the Eau Claire and surround areas.

Whether your family is finally together for a special occasion, your kids are going off to college or they are just entering preschool, Andrew Samplawski Photography offers family photography. Eau Claire Family photography studio, Andrew Samplawski Photography, guarantees to provide a beautiful, timeless family portrait that you will be proud to have in your home.

Learn More

Weston Family Portraits

Almost nothing in life is more important than family. The only thing that comes close is making sure family memories are captured forever. Whether you live in Weston, WI, or elsewhere, you want those memories to last. Family is definitely the glue holding our crazy world together, so it has become an annual requirement to have a family portrait done in Weston to ensure that we don’t miss out on anything! At Samplawski Photography, we’re prepared to do everything we can to show the respect your family memories deserve.

Preparing for Family Pictures in Weston

Is it even possible to work with your family to get them prepared for this kind of situation? It’s actually fairly easy to do if you just have a few tips in mind. This is why we have prepared a list to help. Continue reading to find out the best tips to remain calm and enjoy your photo session. Don’t fret, however, because this advice can assist you.

1. Try your best to not stress out. That may seem flippant, but it’s harder than many think. Instead, grab a delicious, refreshing cocktail to help you relax and better enjoy the photo session. Why is that? Your stress and upset will show up in your photos every time. Not “most of the time”, but every single time. It doesn’t matter how perfect everything is, your photos will be disappointing if everyone doesn’t seem happy. You do not want this during family photos!

Coordinate Your Colors Do your best to color coordinate. A word of caution! You don’t have to match everyone in your family with the same outfits. You just want complimentary colors to be a part of the shoot. This coordination helps your photos look streamlined and beautiful. In fact, the pictures will look better than if you did wear matching outfits!

3. Get a shot list prepared that has different combinations on it. This can really help out families if they are partaking in an Weston based reunion. It is important to choose as many different combinations as you can, and it definitely will help things run quite smoothly if you can have a lit of person by person shots.

Weston Family Photos

Overall, selecting a photographer to take your family portraits is a very straightforward process. However, there two things that should be considered when choosing an Weston photographer. You have to make sure you enjoy what their work looks like when finished. Photographers you’re not really happy with when you look at the results means you need to move on a little. Finally, make sure that you feel comfortable with your photographer. You want to feel at ease when the photos are being taken. Furthermore, you want someone who will listen to you when you make special pose requests. The last thing you want is to have a photographer who is frustrated and yelling at members of your family right before your Weston reunion picnic.

Creative – Different – Unique – FUN – Bad Ass

“They are willing to go beyond the norm and take some amazing, unique and fun pictures. They are very creative and respectful of what the bride and groom want and they are very passionate and talented!!!”

Andrew Samplawski, owner and lead photographer of Andrew Samplawski Photography has been a professional photographer for the last 5 years, creating the style and essence of wedding photography in the Eau Claire and surround areas.

Whether your family is finally together for a special occasion, your kids are going off to college or they are just entering preschool, Andrew Samplawski Photography offers family photography. Eau Claire Family photography studio, Andrew Samplawski Photography, guarantees to provide a beautiful, timeless family portrait that you will be proud to have in your home.

Learn More

Menomonie Family Portraits

Family is one of the most important things in life, and ensuring that you capture these precious memories in Menomonie, WI is so critical in order to make sure that you remember your loved ones, family members and friends for many years to come. If you have family then you know that they make your life easier to live and when you get family portraits in Menomonie done you’ll be able to get awesome photos taken. At Samplawski Photography, we’re prepared to do everything we can to show the respect your family memories deserve.

Preparing for Family Pictures in Menomonie

Yes, I know. Between ensuring their clothes remain clean and pressed and getting everyone ready, you can feel quite overwhelmed. It may seem difficult, but you can do it! Particularly if you have small children that will need to be herded, clothes that have to be kept clean, grandparents that will need to be rounded up, in addition to making sure you are also ready. You will be rewarded with beautiful photographs.

1. Try not to stress out. That sounds really basic, doesn’t it? Some people never manage to do it at all. This will help you remain relaxed. When people get stressed, they tend to look bad in photos. You might be able to get everything else perfect, but you may not like your family photos at all if everyone isn’t happy while they are being taken. Get a beer and try to relax a little.

Coordinate Your Colors Work on color coordinated outfits. Disclaimer: that doesn’t mean your outfits all have to match. Color coordination is simply ensuring the colors compliment each other. This coordination helps your photos look streamlined and beautiful. You can have a great time with coordinating so the photos look fantastic!

3. Prepare a list of different combinations of positions. A shot list is very important if you are having a large group of people photographed together. By determining the combinations of people that you want in each photo, you can help ensure everything runs smoothly and you get all the poses that you want.

Menomonie Family Photos

Choosing a photographer is pretty simple. However, there two things that should be considered when choosing an Menomonie photographer. First, make sure that you view their portfolio and like their work. Don’t hire someone because they’re cheap (though getting a great deal is always to be desired). Hire them because you think they’ll make your family look fantastic. The second thing you need to do is be sure you’re comfortable when working with the person because they are professional and polite. A photographer who can’t be patient and handle your family’s needs is a photographer who’s sure to make your family photographs look terrible.

Creative – Different – Unique – FUN – Bad Ass

“They are willing to go beyond the norm and take some amazing, unique and fun pictures. They are very creative and respectful of what the bride and groom want and they are very passionate and talented!!!”

Andrew Samplawski, owner and lead photographer of Andrew Samplawski Photography has been a professional photographer for the last 5 years, creating the style and essence of wedding photography in the Eau Claire and surround areas.

Whether your family is finally together for a special occasion, your kids are going off to college or they are just entering preschool, Andrew Samplawski Photography offers family photography. Eau Claire Family photography studio, Andrew Samplawski Photography, guarantees to provide a beautiful, timeless family portrait that you will be proud to have in your home.

Learn More

New Haven Family Portraits

Do you consider your family and friends important and want to make sure you capture memories of you and them together in New Haven, WI? Keeping those family memories around is so important that many people choose to do a yearly photo shoot. We here at Samplawski Photography truly understand how much your family means to you, and our mission is to provide you with great family pictures every year.

Preparing for Family Pictures in New Haven

Trust us, we understand the problem. Between ensuring their clothes remain clean and pressed and getting everyone ready, you can feel quite overwhelmed. It may seem difficult, but you can do it! If those family members are children, then it can be nearly impossible! You will be rewarded with beautiful photographs.

1. Try not to stress out. It seems easy and usually is. Instead, grab a delicious, refreshing cocktail to help you relax and better enjoy the photo session. What’s so important about it? When people get stressed, they tend to look bad in photos. You might be able to get everything else perfect, but you may not like your family photos at all if everyone isn’t happy while they are being taken. Enjoy a cocktail and relax… but only drink one!

2. Work on color coordinated outfits. You can use colors that compliment one another. Wear colors that will compliment one another. A good example is contrasting stripes and solids. Too many striped outfits can be off-putting. Contrast the stripes and the solids, and your picture will look much better. In fact, the pictures will look better than if you did wear matching outfits!

3. Create a list of shots to take that all have differing combos. This is particularly helpful if your family is especially large. It is important to choose as many different combinations as you can, and it definitely will help things run quite smoothly if you can have a lit of person by person shots.

New Haven Family Photos

At the end of the day, choosing the right photographer is a fairly straightforward process. There are really only two major factors when you make a choice on family picture photographers, whether you’re in the New Haven area or elsewhere. You have to make sure you enjoy what their work looks like when finished. If you select a photographer whose photos you really aren’t crazy about, you should move on and look for someone whose style is one that you really love for your own family portraits. Second of all, be sure that the photographer is somebody who really makes you feel completely comfortable while they are behind their camera, and who has the ability to be assertive when needed to deal with your family (especially if you have a large one) in a polite way. It does you no good to have a photographer be frustrated the whole time.

Creative – Different – Unique – FUN – Bad Ass

“They are willing to go beyond the norm and take some amazing, unique and fun pictures. They are very creative and respectful of what the bride and groom want and they are very passionate and talented!!!”

Andrew Samplawski, owner and lead photographer of Andrew Samplawski Photography has been a professional photographer for the last 5 years, creating the style and essence of wedding photography in the Eau Claire and surround areas.

Whether your family is finally together for a special occasion, your kids are going off to college or they are just entering preschool, Andrew Samplawski Photography offers family photography. Eau Claire Family photography studio, Andrew Samplawski Photography, guarantees to provide a beautiful, timeless family portrait that you will be proud to have in your home.

Learn More

Peru Family Portraits

When it comes to family, there are few things that are more important that capturing the memories created by your family. Photographs help memorialize certain events witnessed by your friends, family members, and loved ones. These photos can be referred to for years to come. If you have family then you know that they make your life easier to live and when you get family portraits in Peru done you’ll be able to get awesome photos taken. We here at Samplawski Photography truly understand how much your family means to you, and our mission is to provide you with great family pictures every year.

Preparing for Family Pictures in Peru

Yes, I know. Between ensuring their clothes remain clean and pressed and getting everyone ready, you can feel quite overwhelmed. This is why we have prepared a list to help. Some people may have to deal with kids, do laundry, and you may have older family members to deal with. Don’t worry, though! We’ve been doing this for a while, and we have some advice.

1. Try your best to not stress out. That may seem flippant, but it’s harder than many think. It might sound basic, but it is very important. This will help you remain relaxed. If you are not relaxed, it will show up in your photos. Although you can pose everyone perfectly, you can make everyone miserable. Get a beer and try to relax a little.

2. Try wearing colors that coordinate. A word of caution! You don’t have to match everyone in your family with the same outfits. You just want complimentary colors to be a part of the shoot. If someone’s wearing a striped shirt then another person should get solids on. You can have a great time with coordinating so the photos look fantastic!

Shot Lists A shot list is very important if you are having a large group of people photographed together. It is important to choose as many different combinations as you can, and it definitely will help things run quite smoothly if you can have a lit of person by person shots.

Peru Family Photos

Overall, selecting a photographer to take your family portraits is a very straightforward process. There are two major factors that you need to consider before you decide on the photographer that you want to take family photos for you in Peru. You have to make sure you enjoy what their work looks like when finished. Don’t hire someone because they’re cheap (though getting a great deal is always to be desired). Hire them because you think they’ll make your family look fantastic. Second of all, be sure that the photographer is somebody who really makes you feel completely comfortable while they are behind their camera, and who has the ability to be assertive when needed to deal with your family (especially if you have a large one) in a polite way. A photographer who can’t be patient and handle your family’s needs is a photographer who’s sure to make your family photographs look terrible.